Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To enable efficient transport by a transport means. [Solution] This information processing system comprises: a reception unit that receives, from a requester, the input of a transport request for a transport target, the transport request including a specification as to whether the type of the transport target is at least a person or a package; and a control unit that performs control so as to present, to the requester, transport means information, which is information about a transport means capable of transporting the transport target, generated on the basis of the type of the transport target and being included in the transport request received by the reception unit. The information processing system further includes a communication unit that transmits transport request information indicating the transport request received by the reception unit to a server that generates the transport means information on the basis of the transport request information.

Description

Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] In recent years, technological developments have been made to manage plans for transporting cargo using various transport means. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a logistics management system that manages information related to a logistics network and, based on the information, changes the operation plan of a circular service that transports cargo by circulating within an area.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-52525

[0004] On the other hand, in depopulated areas, although the number of packages is small, the distance to each home is often long, and more efficient package transport management is desired. Furthermore, in depopulated areas, there are cases where there are no bus stops or stations where public transportation stops within walking distance of settlements, and the lack of means of transporting people from settlements to bus stops, etc., has become a social problem, not just for the transport of goods (packages, etc.). Some settlements operate branch services such as microbuses as a means of transporting people from settlements to bus stops, etc., but the number of people using these branch services is often low, and therefore more efficient transport management is desired for the transport of people as well.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient transfer by a transfer means.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided, comprising: a reception unit that receives input from a requester of a request for transport of an object to be transported, which includes a specification of the type of object to be transported, at least, whether the type of object to be transported is a person or cargo; and a control unit that controls the presentation to the requester of transport means information, which is information on transport means capable of transporting the object to be transported, generated based on the type of object to be transported, included in the transfer request received by the reception unit.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided, comprising: a reception unit that receives input from a requester of a transfer request for an object to be transferred, which includes a specification of the type of object to be transferred, at least, whether the type of object to be transferred is a person or cargo; and a control unit that controls the transfer request received by the reception unit to present to the requester transport means information, which is information on transport means capable of transporting the object to be transferred, generated based on the type of object to be transferred.

[0008] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer, which includes accepting input by a requester of a transfer request for an object to be transferred, which includes specifying whether the type of object to be transferred is at least a person or cargo, and controlling the presentation to the requester of transfer means information, which is information on a transfer means capable of transferring the object to be transferred and is generated based on the type of object to be transferred, included in the accepted transfer request.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided to cause a computer to function as: a reception unit that receives input from a requester of a transfer request for an object to be transferred, which includes a specification of the type of object to be transferred, at least, whether the type is a person or cargo; and a control unit that controls the computer to present to the requester transport means information, which is information on transport means capable of transporting the object to be transferred, generated based on the type of object to be transferred, included in the transfer request received by the reception unit.

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, efficient transportation by the transportation means is possible.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of an information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of transportation of a transportation object based on a transportation plan generated by the information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a requester terminal 10. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a transportation request input screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 for inputting a transportation object type. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a transportation request input screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 for inputting a transportation start position and a transportation end position of a transportation object. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a transportation request input screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 for inputting a transportation frame. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a transportation request confirmation screen displayed on the operation display unit 120. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a selection screen for candidates for transportation frame and transportation means type displayed on the operation display unit 120. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a server 20. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the flow of operation processing by the requester terminal 10 and the server 20 according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the requester terminal 10 according to this embodiment.

[0012] The details of embodiments of the present invention will be listed below. An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration: [Item 1] An information processing system comprising: a reception unit that receives an input from a requester of a transfer request for an object to be transferred, the input including a designation of whether the type of object to be transferred is at least a person or cargo; and a control unit that controls to present to the requester transport means information, which is information on a transport means capable of transferring the object to be transferred, generated based on the type of object to be transferred included in the transfer request received by the reception unit. [Item 2] The information processing system according to Item 1 further comprises a communication unit that transmits transfer request information indicating the transfer request received by the reception unit to a server that generates the transport means information based on the transfer request information. [Item 3] The information processing system according to Item 2, wherein the reception unit receives an input indicating whether to confirm the transfer by the transport means included in the transport means information, and the control unit controls to present to the requester information on the transport means to be used to transfer the object to be transferred, which has been confirmed by the server, based on the information received by the reception unit indicating whether to confirm the transfer. [Item 4] The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the transfer request includes information capable of identifying a transfer start position and a transfer end position of the transfer object. [Item 5] The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the type of the transfer object is any one of a person, a package, or both a person and a package. [Item 6] The information processing system according to item 5, wherein the transfer request includes information capable of separately identifying a transfer end position of the person and a transfer end position of the package, when the type of the transfer object is both the person and the package. [Item 7] The information processing system according to item 5, wherein the transfer request includes identification information capable of identifying the person, when the type of the transfer object is a person or both a person and a package. [Item 8] The information processing system according to item 5, wherein the transfer request includes information on the type and size of the package, when the type of the transfer object is package or both a person and a package.[Item 9] The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the transportation means information includes information on a plurality of candidate transportation means. [Item 10] The information processing system according to item 5, wherein the candidate transportation means are determined based on information on the type and size of the luggage to be transported when the type of the object to be transported is luggage or both people and luggage. [Item 11] The information processing system according to item 9, wherein, when the transportation means information includes information on a plurality of candidate transportation means types, the reception unit receives a selection by the requester of the type of transportation means for which the requester wishes to transport from among the plurality of candidate transportation means types. [Item 12] The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, wherein the transportation means information includes information on one or more candidate time frames for transporting the object to be transported by the transportation means. [Item 13] The information processing system according to item 12, wherein the transportation means information includes information on a plurality of candidate time frames, and the reception unit receives a selection by the requester of the time frame for which the requester wishes to transport from among the candidate time frames. [Item 14] The information processing system according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the type of the transportation means includes a manned transportation means and an unmanned transportation means. [Item 15] An information processing device comprising: a reception unit that receives input from a requester of a transportation request for the transportation object, including a designation of at least whether the type of the transportation object is a person or a baggage, and a control unit that controls to present to the requester transportation means information, which is information on transportation means capable of transportation of the transportation object, that is generated based on the type of the transportation object included in the transportation request received by the reception unit. [Item 16] An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: receiving input from a requester of a transportation request for the transportation object, including a designation of at least whether the type of the transportation object is a person or a baggage, and controlling to present to the requester transportation means information, which is information on transportation means capable of transportation of the transportation object, that is generated based on the type of the transportation object included in the received transportation request.[Item 17] A program for causing a computer to function as: a reception unit that receives input from a requester of a transfer request for an object to be transferred, the input including designation of whether the type of object to be transferred is at least a person or cargo; and a control unit that controls the computer to present to the requester transport means information, which is information on transport means capable of transferring the object to be transferred, generated based on the type of object to be transferred and included in the transfer request received by the reception unit.

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0014] In addition, in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different letters or numbers after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral will be used to distinguish each of the multiple components.

[0015] <<1. Overview of an Information Processing System According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention>> First, an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention that is capable of generating a transportation plan for efficiently transporting people and luggage will be described. The information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention realizes the efficiency of transportation of luggage and people (delivery (delivery and collection) of luggage, and picking up and dropping off people) by treating people and luggage as transportation targets. In the following description, when the transportation target is a person, the transportation target will also be referred to as a transportation target person. Furthermore, when the transportation target is luggage, the transportation target will also be referred to as a transportation target object.

[0016] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of an information processing system according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system according to the present invention includes a client terminal 10, a server 20, and a network 50. As shown in Fig. 1, the client terminal 10 and the server 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network 50.

[0017] (Requester Terminal 10) The requester terminal 10 is an example of an information processing device and is an information terminal used by a requester who requests transportation of a transportation object. The requester terminal 10 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). For example, the requester terminal 10 may be a terminal owned by each of multiple requesters. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the requester terminal 10A is a personal computer, and the requester terminal 10B is a tablet terminal. The requester terminal 10 may also be a terminal installed in a store or the like and shared by multiple requesters.

[0018] The requester terminal 10 accepts input of a request for transportation of a transportation object by a requester through input operations on an application, etc. The transportation request includes, for example, a specification of the type of transportation object (transportation object type), a transportation start position, and a transportation end position. The transportation object type may be, for example, "person," "baggage," or "both person and baggage." If the transportation object is a person, the transportation start position and transportation end position are the pick-up and delivery locations of the transportation object. If the transportation object is baggage, the transportation start position and transportation end position are the pick-up and delivery locations of the transportation object.

[0019] The requester terminal 10 transmits to the server 20 transfer request information indicating the contents of the request for transfer of the object to be transferred from the requester.

[0020] (Server 20) The server 20 according to this embodiment is a server that manages the transfer of the transfer object. The server 20 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC, or may be a cloud server.

[0021] Based on the transport request information received from the requester terminal 10, the server 20 generates a transport plan for a transport means to transport the transport object included in the transport request information. The transport plan includes, for example, information on the time frame for transporting the transport object. The server 20 may generate a transport plan for a transport means to transport the transport object based, for example, on whether the type of transport object is at least "person" or "cargo." The transport plan generated by the server 20 will be described in detail below.

[0022] The transportation means for which the transportation plan is generated is, for example, a mobile body used for delivering (delivering or collecting) luggage or for picking up and dropping off people. The mobile body may be a mobile body that transports both luggage and people, or a mobile body that transports only one of luggage or people.

[0023] For example, the mobile body may be a manned mobile body used by a transporter in charge of transport. The manned mobile body may be a vehicle that travels on land (for example, a passenger car, a light truck, a light van, a minivan, or other freight vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.). However, the manned mobile body is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the manned mobile body may be an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that travels on a waterway such as a seaway or a riverway.

[0024] Furthermore, the transportation means is not limited to a mobile body, and may be, for example, walking. When the transportation means is walking, the transportation person may transport the object by loading it onto a cart (for example, a box cart or a cart). In this embodiment, an example in which the transportation means is a mobile body will be mainly described.

[0025] Furthermore, the mobile body according to this embodiment may include an unmanned mobile body that moves by autonomous control or remote control. For example, the unmanned mobile body may move by autonomous control using input information such as two positions, such as a start point (e.g., a transfer start position of the transfer target or a transfer start position of the unmanned mobile body) and an end point (e.g., a transfer end position of the transfer target), or three or more positions including a relay point (e.g., a baggage collection position in the case of a transfer involving baggage collection) and a return point (e.g., a position that is the same as the transfer start position of the unmanned mobile body or a different waiting position). Note that the input information used for autonomous control may also include various information such as other intermediate points and transfer routes.

[0026] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body may be moved by remote control using operation information remotely input by an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body.

[0027] For example, the unmanned moving body may be an air vehicle, such as a drone that flies autonomously or a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that flies under remote control by an administrator.

[0028] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body according to this embodiment is not limited to an air vehicle. For example, the unmanned mobile body may be a vehicle that travels on land, such as an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), or a ship that travels on waterways, such as seaways and riverways.

[0029] Furthermore, the manned and unmanned mobile bodies may be mobile bodies that are capable of traveling on at least two routes, including land, water, and air routes.

[0030] The server 20 may transmit transportation plan information, which is information related to the transportation plan generated for the transportation means described above, to the requester terminal 10. The transportation plan information may be information including, for example, the type of transportation means that will transport the transportation object and the time frame for transportation.

[0031] The requester may check the transportation plan information received by the requester terminal 10 and input whether or not to confirm the transportation of the transportation object indicated by the transportation plan information into the requester terminal 10. The requester terminal 10 transmits the input information indicating whether or not to confirm the transportation of the transportation object to the server 20.

[0032] The server 20 confirms the transport plan in accordance with information indicating whether to confirm the transport of the transport object received from the requester terminal 10. More specifically, the server 20 confirms the generated transport plan when it receives information indicating that the transport of the transport object is confirmed by a confirmation operation on an application running on the requester terminal 10, etc. The server 20 may transmit information on the transport means for transporting the transport object for the confirmed transport plan to the requester terminal 10.

[0033] (Network 50) The network 50 is a wired or wireless transmission path for information transmitted from devices connected to the network 50. For example, the network 50 may include public network such as the Internet, a telephone network, or a satellite communication network, or various LANs (Local Area Networks) including Ethernet (registered trademark), WANs (Wide Area Networks), etc. The network 50 may also include a dedicated network such as an IP-VPN (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network).

[0034] Up to this point, an overview of the information processing system according to the present invention has been described. Here, an example of transporting luggage using the information processing system according to the present invention will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of transporting a transportation target based on a transportation plan generated by the information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example in which a mobile object M transports luggage between multiple settlements V, multiple bus stops BS on a route BR of a public transportation facility, bus B, and a warehouse WH, which is a collection point for luggage L. In FIG. 2, the mobile object M is a light van driven by a transportation person D. For example, the transportation person D delivers luggage L1 stored in the warehouse WH to a transportation end position within a time frame.

[0035] Here, according to the information processing system of the present invention, even if there is no bus stop BS within walking distance of each settlement V, residents of each settlement V can easily head to the bus stop BS by using a mobile body M transporting luggage L1 as a means of transportation.

[0036] A requester R, a resident of village V, inputs a transportation request with a transportation object type of "person" into the requester terminal 10 and transmits transportation request information indicating the transportation request to the server 20 (not shown), thereby requesting transportation to and from a mobile object M to a bus stop BS. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , a requester R1, a resident of village V1, inputs a transportation request for a person (requester R1) using the requester terminal 10A, with the transportation start location being a point within village V1 and the transportation end location being bus stop BS2. The point within village V1 may be a location (place, address, coordinates, etc.) designated by the requester R1, such as the requester R1's house H, a landmark building, or a location indicating a parking lot. Furthermore, the point within village V1 may be a stopping point (hereinafter also referred to as a "stand") for the mobile object M within village V1, which has been registered in advance in the server 20 as a candidate for at least one of the transportation start location and the transportation end location of the transportation object. The end location of a person's transportation may be set in advance as a specific end location of transportation (for example, a specific stop (including a station) of public transportation or a facility (such as a hospital or government office)) linked to the area requested by requester U2 (which may be identified from location information acquired from requester terminal 20B of requester U2, or may be set by requester U2's setting operation when using an application related to this system) or a specific end location of transportation linked to the transportation time frame (time zone), in which case requester R only needs to input the start location of transportation. The same applies to a case where requester R inputs a transportation request with the transportation object type being "baggage" into requester terminal 10, has transportation request information indicating the transportation request transmitted to server 20 (not shown), and requests delivery of the baggage using mobile unit M.

[0037] Furthermore, requester R, a resident of village V, can input a transportation request on the application with the transportation object type set to "both people and luggage" to simultaneously request transportation to bus stop BS using mobile object M and to transport luggage while the mobile object is moving. In this case, requester R may specify different locations for the person to be transported and the transportation end location for the object to be transported.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 2 , requester R2, a resident of village V3, uses requester terminal 10B to transmit transportation request information in which the transportation target type is "both person and luggage." For example, requester R2 inputs a transportation request into the application, specifying that the transportation end location for person (requester R2) is bus stop BS3 and the transportation end location for luggage L2 is other than bus stop BS3 (e.g., house H or a predetermined delivery destination outside the delivery area of ​​mobile unit M). Note that if the transportation end location for luggage L2 is outside the delivery area of ​​mobile unit M, it is possible for the luggage L2 to be collected at a collection point (e.g., warehouse WH) and transported together outside the delivery area. In this case, the transportation end location may be automatically set to the location of the predetermined collection point.

[0039] The server 20 generates a transportation plan for the mobile object M based on the transportation request information received from the requester terminal 10. The transportation person D in charge of transportation by the mobile object M transports the transportation targets, namely, requester R1, requester R2, baggage L1, and baggage L2, based on the generated transportation plan. Note that in the example described using FIG. 2 , the transportation start position of the transportation target, requester R, is a point within village V, but the transportation start position of the transportation target may be any position (e.g., bus stop BS) designated by the requester R. Similarly, the transportation end position of the transportation target may also be any position designated by the requester R.

[0040] <<2. Example of Functional Configuration According to This Embodiment>> <2-1. Example of Functional Configuration of Requester Terminal 10> The outline of the information processing system according to this embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the requester terminal 10 will be described.

[0041] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the client terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the client terminal 10 has a communication unit 110, an operation display unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0042] (Communication Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is connected to the server 20 via the network 50 to communicate with the server 20 and transmits and receives data. For example, the communication unit 110 may transmit, to the server 20, transfer request information indicating a transfer request for a transfer target, based on an operation of the operation display unit 120 by a requester.

[0043] (Operation display unit 120) The operation display unit 120 functions as a reception unit configured to receive instructions or information for the requester terminal 10 through operations by the requester, and as a display unit that displays and presents various information under the control of the control unit 130. For example, the operation display unit 120 receives a transfer request through an input operation of the transfer request on the requester's application. Transfer request information indicating the transfer request is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 110.

[0044] The transfer request information includes, for example, a transfer target type, a transfer start location, and a transfer end location. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the requester selects the transfer target type from "person," "baggage," or "both people and baggage" by a selection operation on the application. In this way, by specifying at least whether the type of transfer target is people or baggage, the requester can request the transfer of people and baggage on the same application. This allows, for example, the requester to have baggage collected while being picked up or dropped off. In other words, this configuration improves convenience for the requester.

[0045] If the type of transportation target is "both people and luggage," the transportation end locations of the transportation target person and the transportation target object may be different. This allows the requester to have luggage picked up at a location other than the requester's destination while being picked up or dropped off, improving convenience for the requester and allowing the transportation staff to deliver the items together, thereby improving transportation efficiency.

[0046] The transfer start position and transfer end position are specified by inputting information that can identify the positions. The information that can identify the positions may be an address, coordinate information, or a position identification ID that is identification information for identifying a predetermined position. The predetermined position may be a mobile stand that has been registered in advance in the server 20 as a candidate for the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer target.

[0047] The information that can identify a location may be the name of a bus stop or station, or the name of a facility or building. The information that can identify a location may also be information obtained by the requester selecting an arbitrary location from a map displayed by the operation display unit 120. The information that can identify a location may also be information provided by a known location search system.

[0048] The transfer request information may also include a designation of the quantity of items to be transferred. For example, if the items to be transferred include people, the number of people to be transferred may also be included. If the items to be transferred include luggage, the transfer request information may also include the number of items to be transferred, the size of the luggage (e.g., size 60), or the weight of the items to be transferred (e.g., 1 kg).

[0049] Furthermore, when the object to be transferred includes luggage, the transfer request information may include information about the object to be transferred, such as the name of the object to be transferred (food, miscellaneous goods, etc.), the type of luggage (temperature range type such as refrigerated goods or frozen goods), or whether the luggage is a sensitive item that requires careful handling. The sensitive item may be at least one of: upside down, no stacking allowed, perishable goods, or fragile goods.

[0050] Furthermore, if the transfer target includes a person, the transfer request information may include information for identifying the transfer target. The information for identifying the transfer target may be, for example, the name of the transfer target, the name of the transfer target within the service, a telephone number, etc., or may include one or more of the transfer target ID, which is identification information of the transfer target, or account information of the external application. Note that, if the transfer target and the requester are the same, the transfer target ID may be the same as the requester ID for identifying the requester.

[0051] Furthermore, if the person to be transferred is a person, the transfer request information may include information on the walking status of the person to be transferred. For example, the walking status may indicate that the person to be transferred uses a wheelchair. Alternatively, or in addition, if the person to be transferred is a person, the transfer request information may include information on whether or not the person to be transferred needs support (assistance, assistance, etc., including physical support and linguistic support).

[0052] The transfer request information may also include a specification of the date or time to start transferring the transfer target. That is, the transfer request information may also include a specification of the date or time for collecting the luggage, or the date or time for picking up the person. The collection time and pick-up time may be a time frame with a range of time (e.g., from 12:00 to 13:00). Such a time frame during which the transfer is performed is also called a transfer frame. The transfer frame is divided into predetermined time periods, such as 15 minutes or 30 minutes for unmanned vehicles, and one hour for manned vehicles. The transfer request information may also include a specification to transfer as early as possible (i.e., as close to the requested time).

[0053] The transport request information may also include a designation of a transport means for transporting the person to be transported. For example, if different fees apply to transport depending on the transport means, the requester can designate a transport means taking into consideration the fee. Furthermore, if the person to be transported is the requester, the requester can designate a transport means taking into consideration the number of seats, riding comfort, etc. Furthermore, if the requester is concerned about the person to be transported being transported by an unmanned vehicle, the requester can designate a manned vehicle. In other words, the requester can designate a transport means that meets their needs.

[0054] Note that the requester does not necessarily have to input all of the above-mentioned transport request information. For example, if the requester's basic information has been set in advance in basic settings, the requester may omit the task of inputting the basic information when requesting transport. Furthermore, if the type of transport target is "people" or "both people and cargo," only transport means capable of transporting people may be selectable. For example, if the type of transport target is "people" or "both people and cargo," transport means that cannot transport people, such as drones, may be excluded from the transport means selection candidates in the application.

[0055] So far, we have explained the transfer request information indicating a transfer request that is input to the operation display unit 120. Such transfer request information is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 110. The server 20 generates a transfer plan for the transfer means that will transfer the transfer object based on the transfer request information, and the communication unit 110 receives transfer plan information related to the transfer plan for the transfer means from the server 20.

[0056] The transportation plan information includes, for example, transportation means information, which is information about transportation means capable of transporting the transportation target for the transportation request information. The transportation means information includes, for example, the type of transportation means. The type of transportation means may be, for example, the type of moving body that is the transportation means.

[0057] The type of transportation means may be, for example, a "bus," a "light van," a "minivan," a "motorcycle," or a "drone." The type of transportation means may also be "walking." The transportation means information may also include information on the transportation slots in which the transportation means will perform transportation.

[0058] The operation display unit 120 displays the transport plan information. The operation display unit 120 then receives an input, such as a confirmation operation on an application, as to whether or not to confirm the transport of the transport target indicated by the transport plan information.

[0059] The transport means information may include information on multiple candidate transport means types. The operation display unit 120 accepts a selection of the desired transport means type from among the multiple candidate transport means types, for example, by a selection operation on the application.

[0060] The transport means information may also include multiple candidate transport slots for the transport means for transporting the transport target. The operation display unit 120 accepts the selection of a desired transport slot from among the multiple candidate transport slots, by a selection operation on the application or the like.

[0061] The operation display unit 120 may also display information about the transportation means for transporting the transportation object, which is received from the server 20 by the communication unit 110 and confirmed by the server 20 .

[0062] Here, examples of input operations by a requester on the operation display unit 120 to request transfer on the application and operations for confirming the transfer of a transfer target will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0063] 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a transfer request input screen for inputting a transfer target type, which is displayed on the operation display unit 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation display unit 120 displays a transfer request input screen including a transfer target type selection button 410. The requester selects the transfer target type of the transfer target using the transfer target type selection button 410. For example, the requester inputs a transfer request in which the transfer target type is "person" by pressing and selecting the transfer target type selection button 410A.

[0064] When any of the transfer target type selection buttons 410 is selected, the screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 transitions to a transfer request input screen for inputting the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer target. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the transfer request input screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 for inputting the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer target. Fig. 5 shows an example of the screen when the transfer target type selection button 410A is selected in Fig. 4 and a transfer request is input in which the transfer target type is "person."

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5 , the operation display unit 120 displays a transfer start location selection field 420, a transfer end location selection field 430, a next button 440, and a back button 450. The requester selects the transfer start location and transfer end location of the transfer target from the candidates displayed in the transfer start location selection field 420 and the transfer end location selection field 430. For example, the requester selects "Stand A" from the transfer start location selection field 420, thereby specifying Stand A as the transfer start location where the transfer target will be picked up. Note that at this time, the selection of destination candidates that indicate the same location as the selected pick-up location may be restricted (for example, they may no longer respond to selection operations, their display may change to a different state from the other displays (for example, they may be grayed out), or they may not be displayed at all).

[0066] The requester can confirm the input of the transfer start position and transfer end position by pressing the Next button 440, and can cause the information on the transfer start position and transfer end position to be transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 110. The requester can also cancel the transfer request by pressing the Back button 450.

[0067] 5, when the Next button 440 is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 transitions to a transfer request input screen for inputting the transfer frame of the transfer target. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the transfer request input screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 for inputting the transfer frame.

[0068] 6, the operation display unit 120 displays a transfer window selection field 460, a next button 440, and a back button 450. The requester selects the desired transfer window for the transfer target from the transfer window selection field 460. For example, the requester can specify the transfer window for the transfer target to be 10:00 to 11:00 by selecting "10:00 to 11:00" from the transfer window selection field 460.

[0069] The requester can confirm the input of the transfer frame by pressing the Next button 440 and have it sent to the server 20 by the communication unit 110. The requester can cancel the transfer request by pressing the Back button 450.

[0070] 6, when the Next button 440 is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation display unit 120 transitions to a transfer request confirmation screen for receiving input as to whether or not to confirm the transfer of the transfer target. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the transfer request confirmation screen displayed on the operation display unit 120.

[0071] 7, the operation display unit 120 displays transport plan information 470, a confirm button 480, and a back button 450. The transport plan information 470 is information about a transport plan generated by the server 20 based on the transport request information indicating the transport request input by the requester to the operation display unit 120 in FIGS.

[0072] In the example of FIG. 7, the transportation plan information 470 includes, as transportation means information, "bus" which is the type of transportation means and "10:00 to 11:00" which is the transportation time slot for transportation.

[0073] The transportation plan information 470 also includes the transportation target type, and the transportation start and end positions of the transportation target. Fig. 7 shows an example in which the pick-up destination, which is the transportation start position of the transportation target, is "Stand A," and the sending destination, which is the transportation end position of the transportation target, is "Stand B."

[0074] The requester inputs that he / she will confirm the transport by the transport means included in the transport plan information 470 by pressing the Confirm button 480. The requester also inputs that he / she will not confirm the transport by the transport means included in the transport plan information 470 by pressing the Return button 450.

[0075] Up to this point, we have described an example of the input operation on the operation display unit 120 by the requester to input a transfer request on the application and the operation to confirm the transfer of the transfer target, but the input screen and screen transitions of the transfer request by the requester on the operation display unit 120 are not limited to the examples shown here. For example, after the screen shown in Figure 6, input of information about the transfer target, such as the number of people to be transferred, may be accepted. In this case, the server 20 generates a transfer plan based on the information about the transfer target.

[0076] As another example, suppose a requester inputs a transfer request including a transfer target type and a transfer start and end position of the transfer target to the operation display unit 120. In this case, the operation display unit 120 may display transfer plan information including candidate types of transfer means for each of multiple transfer slots based on the transfer request, received from the server 20. The operation display unit 120 accepts selection of a desired transfer slot and a type of transfer means from the candidate types of transfer means for each of the multiple transfer slots.

[0077] 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for candidates for transfer slots and types of transfer means, displayed on the operation display unit 120. As shown in FIG. 8, a candidate list 490 is displayed, which is a list of candidates for transfer slots and types of transfer means, including a transfer means type selection button 491. The requester selects the transfer means for the desired transfer slot for the transfer target by pressing the transfer means type selection button 491. Here, the transfer means type selection button 491 is an icon representing the type of transfer means.

[0078] For example, the requester may select that the desired transfer time slot for the target is 9:00-9:30 and that the type of transfer means is a light van by pressing type selection button 491A. Alternatively, the requester may select that the desired transfer time slot for the target is 9:00-9:30 and that the type of transfer means is a drone by pressing type selection button 491B.

[0079] In addition, in the candidate list 490, if the candidate transportation means in the transportation slot is filled with other transportation requests, "full" may be displayed to indicate that the reservation is full.

[0080] The requester can confirm the input of the transfer frame and moving object by pressing the Next button 440 and have the input sent to the server 20 via the communication unit 110. The requester can cancel the transfer request by pressing the Back button 450. The input of the transfer frame and moving object may be treated as an input confirming the transfer of the transfer target in that transfer frame. After the transfer frame and moving object are input, a transfer request confirmation screen such as that shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed again. In this case, a confirmation operation on that screen accepts the confirmation of the transfer of the transfer target in that transfer frame.

[0081] (Control Unit 130) The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the requester terminal 10. For example, the control unit 130 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit transport request information acquired by the operation display unit 120. The control unit 130 also controls the operation display unit 120 to present information received from the server 20 by the communication unit 110.

[0082] 2-2. Example of Functional Configuration of Server 20 An example of the functional configuration of the client terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 will be described.

[0083] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the server 20 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0084] (Communication Unit 210) The communication unit 210 performs various communications with external terminals such as the requester terminal 10. For example, the communication unit 210 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information such as transport request information transmitted from the requester terminal 10.

[0085] (Storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 stores programs and various data for operating the control unit 230. For example, the storage unit 220 may store each piece of transfer request information received by the communication unit 210. The storage unit 220 may store each piece of transfer request information in association with a request ID for identifying the transfer request information.

[0086] The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer target for each transfer request information for each transfer target. For example, the storage unit 220 stores information included in the transfer request information for each transfer target (item name, baggage type, information about the transfer target, size or weight, etc.). The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer target by linking it to a transfer target ID for identifying the transfer target.

[0087] The storage unit 220 also stores information included in the transfer request information (such as the number of people, names, or walking conditions) for each transfer recipient. The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer recipients, linking them with a transfer recipient ID for identifying the transfer recipient. The transfer recipient ID may be the same as the transfer recipient ID or the requester ID.

[0088] The storage unit 220 may also store registration information for transferees linked to transferee IDs or requesters linked to requester IDs. The registration information may include various basic information such as name, name within the service, email address, address, telephone number, age or generation, gender, address or residential area, and may also include account information for external applications. The storage unit 220 may also store fares for each requester or transferee, or membership ranks for determining fares.

[0089] The storage unit 220 also stores information relating to transportation by transportation means. The storage unit 220 may store information relating to transportation for each of a plurality of transportation means available for transportation.

[0090] For example, the storage unit 220 stores a transport plan for a transport means. The transport plan includes, for example, information on a transport slot. The transport plan for a transport means may be generated for each transport slot. Here, the transport slot indicates a time slot during which the transport means (or a transporter who transports the object to be transported using the transport means) responds to a transport request.

[0091] For example, the transportation response time of a transportation means (or transportation person) in one day is divided into predetermined transportation slots. The transportation means (or transportation person) transports the transportation target registered for each transportation slot at the time indicated by the transportation slot. The delivery slot of an unmanned mobile body may be registered with transportation targets to transportation end positions, such as 1 or 2. Furthermore, the delivery slot of a manned mobile body (or transportation person) may be registered with transportation targets to multiple transportation end positions, such as 5 to 10, but is not limited to this.

[0092] The transportation plan may include, for example, operation information of the transportation means. The operation information may include, for example, a departure location at the start time of the transportation slot and an arrival location at the end time of the transportation slot. The operation information may also include a transportation ID for identifying operation within the transportation slot, a type of transportation means, a transportation method, a transportation means management number which is a number for identifying the transportation means, a transportation company name indicating the business that will transport the vehicle by the transportation means, and a transportation person ID for identifying the transportation person in charge of the transportation by the transportation means. For example, if the transportation means is a mobile object, the transportation means management number is a management number (e.g., a vehicle registration number) for identifying each mobile object.

[0093] The transfer plan may also include transfer target information, which is information regarding transfer targets to be transferred by the transfer means within the time indicated by the transfer frame. The transfer target information may include, for example, part of the transfer request information for the transfer target whose transfer has been confirmed. More specifically, the transfer target information may include the transfer target type, the name of the baggage of the transfer target, the number of people to be transferred, the transfer start position, and the transfer end position, which are part of the transfer request information. Note that the transfer start position and transfer end position included in the transfer target information 420 are not limited to the transfer start position and transfer end position included in the transfer request information. When the transfer target is transferred via multiple transfer means, the transfer start position and transfer end position included in the transfer target information may be the transfer start position and transfer end position by the transfer means in the transfer plan.

[0094] The transfer target information may also include a transfer target ID for identifying each transfer target for the transfer request. For example, for a transfer request in which the transfer target type is "both people and luggage," the transfer target information may include a transfer target ID for identifying the transfer of the people who are the transfer targets, and a transfer target ID for identifying the transfer of the luggage who are the transfer targets.

[0095] So far, the transportation plan stored in the memory unit 220 has been described. The memory unit 220 also stores information about one or more loading spaces of each transportation means for which the transportation plan is managed. The transportation objects that can be loaded by a transportation means vary depending on the type of transportation means and the loading space of the transportation means. For example, a seat in a light van or bus can carry both luggage and people. On the other hand, a storage section (luggage compartment) such as a trunk of a light van or bus can carry only luggage. Furthermore, a storage section (luggage compartment) of a drone, bicycle, motorcycle, etc. can carry only luggage.

[0096] For each such loading space, the memory unit 220 stores whether the transportable objects that can be loaded are people only, luggage only, or both people and luggage, and the maximum amount of luggage or people that can be loaded.

[0097] For example, if the transportation means is a light van and seats are used to carry both luggage and passengers, the memory unit 220 stores that the seats can carry both passengers and luggage. The memory unit 220 may also store the maximum number of seats that can carry either luggage or passengers as the maximum number of luggage and passengers. The seats of the transportation means do not necessarily need to be managed as being capable of carrying luggage, but may be managed as being capable of carrying only passengers depending on the operation.

[0098] As another example, when the transportation means is a bus or the like and only luggage is loaded into a luggage compartment, the memory unit 220 stores that the luggage compartment can only carry luggage. The memory unit 220 also stores the maximum amount of luggage that can be loaded into the luggage compartment. Here, the maximum amount of luggage may be indicated by the number of pieces or by the capacity. The maximum amount of luggage may also be indicated by the weight.

[0099] The storage unit 220 stores, for each transfer slot, loading space information, which is information regarding the amount of transfer objects that can be loaded into the loading space of the transfer means for which the transfer plan is managed. The loading space information may be, for example, the number of seats that can accommodate the transfer objects (i.e., the number of empty seats) or the vacancy rate of the maximum capacity of the loading space that can accommodate the transfer objects. The loading space information may also be the weight of the transfer objects that can be loaded.

[0100] The sharing of the loading space by people and luggage can be easily managed by managing the information about the loading space in this way by the memory unit 220. The sharing of the loading space by people and luggage improves the spatial efficiency of the loading space, and the efficiency of the transportation of people and luggage can be realized.

[0101] (Control unit 230) The control unit 230 controls the overall operation of the server 20. For example, the control unit 230 controls the storage unit 220 to store information received from the client terminal 10 by the communication unit 210. In this embodiment, the control unit 230 has a function as a generation unit 231.

[0102] (Generation unit 231) The generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation target included in the transportation request information based on the transportation request information received by the communication unit 210. For example, the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation means that will transport the transportation target based on whether the transportation target type is a "person," a "baggage," or "both people and baggage."

[0103] More specifically, the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation means capable of loading the transportation object. Here, the generation unit 231 may generate the transportation plan based on information on the loading space for each transportation slot of each transportation means. That is, the generation unit 231 may generate a transportation plan for a transportation means capable of loading the transportation object into the loading space on the date or time included in the transportation request information when the transportation of the transportation object begins. With this configuration, a transportation plan for a transportation means capable of transporting the transportation means is appropriately generated, which contributes to improving the efficiency of transportation.

[0104] Furthermore, if the transport request information includes a designation of a transport means for transporting the transport target, the generation unit 231 may generate a transport plan for the transport means. With this configuration, it is possible to meet the needs of the requester.

[0105] Furthermore, when the transfer request information includes information on the object to be transferred, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for a transfer means determined in accordance with the information. For example, when the transfer request information includes information that the cargo type (e.g., temperature range type) of the object to be transferred is a refrigerated item, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for a transfer means equipped with refrigeration equipment.

[0106] Furthermore, when the arrival time of a transportation means at an arrival location has been determined, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transportation means can transport the transportation target by the arrival time. When the generation unit 231 determines that the transportation means can transport the transportation target by the arrival time, the generation unit 231 may determine the transportation means as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated. For example, the generation unit 231 may determine, as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated, the transportation means that can arrive at the arrival location at the end time of the transportation slot if the transportation target is transported.

[0107] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 may select multiple candidate transport means for transporting the transport target. For example, if there are multiple transport means that can load the transport target into the loading space on the date or time when the transport of the transport target is to start, which is included in the transport request information, the generation unit 231 may select the multiple transport means as candidate transport means.

[0108] When the generation unit 231 selects multiple candidates that can load the transportation target into the loading space, it may determine one transportation means for generating a transportation plan. For example, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transportation target can be transported by transportation that is performed regularly by the transportation means, i.e., transportation including regular flights. When the transportation target can be transported by transportation including regular flights, the generation unit 231 may determine the transportation means as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated.

[0109] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transfer target can be transferred by a transfer according to an already confirmed transfer plan. If the transfer target can be transferred by a transfer according to an already confirmed transfer plan, the generation unit 231 may determine the transfer means as the transfer means for which a transfer plan for the transfer means is generated. With this configuration, the transfer means can be transferred by a transfer means that has already been determined to operate, thereby further improving the efficiency of transfer.

[0110] Furthermore, when the object to be transferred is a cargo, the generation unit 231 may determine an unmanned vehicle as the transfer means for which a transfer plan for the transfer means is generated, in preference to a manned vehicle. With this configuration, the object to be transferred can be transferred without human intervention, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the transfer.

[0111] As another example of a method for generating a transfer plan, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for transferring a single transfer target via multiple transfer means. When generating a transfer plan for transferring a single transfer target via multiple transfer means, the generation unit 231 may generate the transfer plan by setting positions different from the transfer start position and transfer end position included in the transfer request information as the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer means. With this configuration, transfer can be realized even when a single transfer means cannot transfer from the transfer start position to the transfer end position, thereby making the transfer more efficient.

[0112] Furthermore, when the type of transfer target is "both people and luggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan in which only either the transfer target object or the transfer target person is transferred via multiple transfer means. Furthermore, when the type of transfer target is "both people and luggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan in which the transfer of the transfer target person and the transfer target object is started at the transfer start position by the same transfer means, and then each is transferred via a different transfer means.

[0113] Furthermore, when the type of the object to be transferred is "baggage" or "both people and luggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for transferring the object to be transferred to a collection point such as a warehouse WH where luggage can be accumulated. Then, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for transferring the object to be transferred from the collection point to a transfer end position using another transfer frame or another transfer means.

[0114] The generation unit 231 may also generate a transportation plan for transferring the object to be transferred from the collection point to a business operator other than the business operator that manages transportation using this information processing system. With this configuration, even if the transportation end location is outside the jurisdiction of the transportation by the transportation means, the object can be transferred to the transportation end location by transferring the object to a business operator that has jurisdiction over the transportation end location. In this case, the transportation plan may include identification information for identifying the business operator or the person in charge at the delivery destination.

[0115] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 may generate a transportation plan for transferring the object to an unmanned mobile body via a relay. When the generation unit 231 determines that the object to be transferred cannot arrive at the arrival location by the end time of the transportation slot when the object to be transferred is transferred via a manned mobile body, the generation unit 231 may generate a transportation plan for relaying the object to be transferred to an unmanned mobile body.

[0116] So far, the method for generating a transportation plan by the generation unit 231 has been described. When the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan, transportation plan information, which is information related to the transportation plan, is sent to the requester terminal 10 by the communication unit 210. The transportation plan information may include transportation means information, which is information about transportation means capable of transporting the transportation object for the transportation request information. Furthermore, the transportation means information may include information about the transportation slot in which the transportation means will perform the transportation. Furthermore, the transportation plan information may include information such as transportation fees. The transportation fee may be a fixed fee, or may be determined according to the transportation distance, the weight of the transportation object, or the freight rate for each transportation object, etc.

[0117] The communication unit 210 then acquires information indicating whether or not to confirm transportation by the transportation means included in the transportation means information from the requester terminal 10 to which the movement plan information was sent. When the communication unit 210 acquires information indicating that transportation of the transportation target is to be confirmed, the control unit 230 confirms the transportation plan corresponding to the movement plan information. On the other hand, when the control unit 230 receives information from the requester terminal 10 indicating that transportation for the transportation plan information is not to be confirmed, or when a predetermined time has passed since the control unit 230 sent the transportation plan information, the control unit 230 does not confirm the transportation plan.

[0118] When the transportation plan is finalized, the communication unit 210 may transmit information about the transportation means for transporting the transportation object (such as the type of transportation means and transportation slot information) to the requester terminal 10.

[0119] Furthermore, when the control unit 230 confirms a transportation plan, it updates the information about the loading space of the transportation means stored in the storage unit 220 based on the quantity of transportation targets for the transportation plan. For example, suppose the control unit 230 confirms a transportation plan to transport one transportation target using a seat on the transportation means. In this case, the control unit 230 may update the information about the loading space of the seats on the transportation means in the transportation slot of the transportation plan so as to reduce the number of vacant seats by one.

[0120] In addition, when the information on the available loading space is indicated by the vacant rate of the maximum capacity of the loading space, the control unit 230 may calculate a new vacant rate based on the size of the object to be transported and update the information on the available loading space to the calculated result.

[0121] When the generation unit 231 determines multiple candidate transport means for transporting the object to be transported, the generation unit 231 generates transport plan information in which the transport means information includes information on the multiple candidate transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport means selected by the requester from the multiple candidate transport means from the requester terminal 10. The control unit 230 finalizes the transport plan for the selected transport means.

[0122] Furthermore, if the transport request information does not include a transport slot designation, the generation unit 231 may select candidate transport slots for the transport means that will deliver the transport object. In this case, the generation unit 231 generates transport plan information in which the transport means information includes information on candidate transport slots that can be used for transport by the transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport slot selected by the requester from the requester terminal 10 from the candidate transport slots. Based on the selection of the transport slot, the control unit 230 finalizes the transport plan for the transport means with the selected transport slot.

[0123] The generation unit 231 may select a candidate transport slot for each of a plurality of candidate transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport means and transport slot selected by the requester from the candidate transport slots from the requester terminal 10. Based on the selection of the transport means and transport slot, the control unit 230 finalizes a transport plan for the transport means and the transport slot.

[0124] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 generates transport instruction information including transport tasks to be performed by the transporter based on the confirmed transport plan. The transport tasks are tasks for transporting each transport target included in the transport plan from a transport start position to a transport end position by a transport means. The generation unit 231 may order the transport tasks to increase transport efficiency and include the tasks in the transport instruction information. High transport efficiency may mean a short transport route distance or a short transport time.

[0125] The transfer instruction information includes at least a portion of the information included in the transfer plan that is necessary for the transfer. On the other hand, information included in the transfer plan that is not necessary for the transfer may not be included in the transfer instruction information. For example, if the type of transfer target is "person" or "both person and cargo," information for identifying the person being transferred (such as name or telephone number) may not be included in the transfer instruction information from the perspective of privacy protection.

[0126] On the other hand, if the type of transfer target is "person" or "both person and baggage," it may be confirmed at the transfer start location whether the person to be transferred is a transfer target according to the transfer plan. This confirmation may be performed manually by the transfer person, or may be authenticated by an authentication function of the transfer means or a terminal carried by the transfer person. When such confirmation is performed, information for identifying the transfer target (such as name or telephone number) may be included in the transfer instruction information.

[0127] <<3. Example of Operation Processing According to This Embodiment>> Having described an example of the functional configuration according to this embodiment of the present invention, an example of operation processing according to this embodiment will now be described.

[0128] Here, the requester provided by this information processing system accesses the server 20 using an application (including a web browser) or the like, and when using the service for the first time, may log in by performing a user registration process. If an account has already been obtained, the service may be made available by logging in after undergoing predetermined authentication, such as entering a requester ID or transferee ID and a password. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the requester terminal 10 may be used as the requester ID or transferee ID to make the service available. After this login authentication, service use begins via an application (including a web browser) or the like.

[0129] 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of operation processing by the requester terminal 10 and the server 20 according to this embodiment. First, the operation display unit 120 of the requester terminal 10 accepts input of a transfer target type, which is part of the transfer request information, through an input operation on an application or the like (S101). The communication unit 110 transmits the accepted transfer target type to the server 20 (S102).

[0130] Next, the operation display unit 120 of the requester terminal 10 displays an input screen for the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer target, which are part of the transfer request information, and accepts the input (S103). The communication unit 110 transmits the accepted transfer start position and transfer end position to the server 20 (S104).

[0131] Next, the operation display unit 120 of the requester terminal 10 displays an input screen for information on the transfer target, which is part of the transfer request information, and accepts the input (S105). The communication unit 110 transmits the accepted information on the transfer target to the server 20 (S106).

[0132] The generation unit 231 of the server 20 generates transport means information indicating transport means capable of transporting the transport object based on the transport request information (S107). The communication unit 210 of the server 20 transmits the generated transport means information to the requester terminal 10 (S108).

[0133] Next, the operation display unit 120 of the client terminal 10 accepts an input as to whether or not to confirm the transportation indicated by the transportation means information (S109). The communication unit 110 transmits the information as to whether or not to confirm the transportation indicated by the accepted transportation means information to the server 20 (S110).

[0134] The control unit 230 of the server 20 determines whether to confirm the transportation plan corresponding to the transportation in accordance with the information on whether the transportation is to be confirmed (S111).

[0135] When the control unit 230 confirms the transportation plan, the communication unit 210 transmits information about the moving object for the confirmed transportation plan to the requester terminal 10 (S112). The operation display unit 120 of the requester terminal 10 displays the received information about the moving object (S113).

[0136] <<4. Hardware Configuration Example>> The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the hardware described below of the client terminal 10. Note that the hardware configuration described below can also be applied to the server 20.

[0137] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the client terminal 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11 , the client terminal 10 includes a control unit 130, a memory 31, a storage 32, a transmission / reception unit 33, an input / output unit 34, and the like, which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 35.

[0138] The control unit 130 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the client terminal 10, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for application execution and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 230 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 32 and deployed in the memory 31 to perform various information processing as described above.

[0139] The memory 31 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 31 is used as a work area for the control unit 230, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is executed when the server 20 is started up, various setting information, and the like.

[0140] The storage 32 stores various programs such as application programs, etc. A database that stores data used in each process may be constructed in the storage 32.

[0141] The transmitter / receiver 33 connects the client terminal 10 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transmitter / receiver 33 may include a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0142] The input / output unit 34 includes information input devices such as a keyboard, a microphone, and a mouse, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0143] The bus 35 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0144] <<5. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0145] It is also possible to create a computer program that causes hardware such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the client terminal 10 and server 20 to perform functions equivalent to those of the above-mentioned components of the client terminal 10 and server 20.

[0146] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 client terminal 20 server 50 network 110 communication unit 120 operation display unit 130 control unit 210 communication unit 220 storage unit 230 control unit 231 generation unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: a reception unit that receives input from a requester of a request for transport of an object to be transported, the request including a designation of whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or cargo; and a control unit that controls the presentation to the requester of transport means information, which is information on transport means capable of transporting the object to be transported, generated based on the type of object to be transported included in the transfer request received by the reception unit.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that transmits transport request information indicating the transport request accepted by the acceptance unit to a server that generates the transport means information based on the transport request information.

3. The information processing system of claim 2, wherein the reception unit receives input indicating whether or not to confirm the transport by the transport means included in the transport means information, and the control unit controls the server to present to the requester information on the transport means to be used to transport the object to be transported, based on the information received by the reception unit indicating whether or not to confirm the transport.

4. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transfer request includes information that can identify a transfer start position of the transfer object and a transfer end position of the transfer object.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the type of object to be transported is one of a person, a cargo, or both a person and a cargo.

6. An information processing system as described in claim 5, wherein the transfer request includes information capable of separately identifying the end location of the transfer of the person and the end location of the transfer of the luggage when the type of the transfer object is both the person and luggage.

7. An information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the transfer request includes identification information capable of identifying the person who is the transfer target when the type of the transfer target is a person or both a person and cargo.

8. An information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the transfer request includes information on the type and size of the cargo to be transferred when the type of the object to be transferred is cargo or both people and cargo.

9. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transportation means information includes information on a plurality of candidate transportation means.

10. An information processing system as described in claim 5, wherein the candidate transport means is determined based on information on the type and size of the cargo to be transported when the type of the cargo to be transported is cargo or both people and cargo.

11. An information processing system as described in claim 9, wherein, when the transportation means information includes information on candidate types of the plurality of transportation means, the reception unit receives a selection by the requester of the type of transportation means desired for transportation from among the candidate types of transportation means.

12. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transportation means information includes information on one or more candidate time frames in which the transportation object is transported by the transportation means.

13. An information processing system as described in claim 12, wherein the transportation means information includes information on multiple candidate time slots, and the reception unit receives a selection by the requester of a time slot for which transportation is desired from among the candidate time slots.

14. An information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the types of transportation means include manned vehicles and unmanned vehicles.

15. An information processing device comprising: a reception unit that receives input from a requester of a request for transport of an object to be transported, including a designation of whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or cargo; and a control unit that controls the device to present to the requester transport means information, which is information on transport means capable of transporting the object to be transported, generated based on the type of object to be transported included in the transport request received by the reception unit.

16. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: accepting input from a requester of a request for transport of an object to be transported, which request includes designation of the type of object to be transported as at least a person or cargo; and controlling the presentation to the requester of transport means information, which is information on transport means capable of transporting the object to be transported, generated based on the type of object to be transported and included in the accepted transport request.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as: a reception unit that receives input from a requester of a request for transport of an object to be transported, including a specification of whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or cargo; and a control unit that controls the computer to present to the requester transport means information, which is information on transport means capable of transporting the object to be transported, generated based on the type of object to be transported and included in the transport request received by the reception unit.

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